A local cooperative responded to the loss of local shops and services in the village of Ballstädt (population 700) in central Germany, by establishing a community-run shop and café.

It restored and converted a building in the heart of the village creating a shop, café and meeting place. Efforts included extensive ceiling, drywall, painting and plasterwork, as well as fitting: a kitchen; ventilation and heating systems; and outdoor storage spaces. A small seated area was created in one corner of the shop as a free meeting place.

Project results:

The new community-based store and cafe is providing 70-110 daily customers from the village and surrounding areas with access to basic goods and services.

The cooperative store is financially self-sufficient and provides the equivalent of three full-time jobs.

The shop quickly became the centre of village life during the day and an important meeting place.

Increased the independence of many older local people who no longer rely on others to go shopping for them in nearby towns.